NORWAY — The Police Department will collect unwanted and outdated prescription medications as part of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Take-Back Initiative on Saturday, Oct. 26.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents may bring their expired and unwanted prescription drugs to the Town Office on Danforth Street for safe disposal. The annual collection prevents drug theft and abuse by ridding homes of potentially dangerous medications, police said. It also prevents hazards resulting from flushing them down toilets or throwing them into the trash.
The service is free and anonymous.
“This will be the seventh time the take-back is being offered,” Police Chief Rob Federico said. “We average between 10 and 15 pounds of medications each time.”
Federico said the department collects medications throughout the year, not just during the National Take-Back Initiative.
He said participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual is encouraged to remove any identifying information from the label.
All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
In its four previous drug collections, the DEA and its partners took in more than 1.5 million pounds of pills.
For more information contact Norway Police Department investigator Jeffrey Campbell at 743-6651.
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